Stepping Stone Projects Awarded Lancashire Supported Accommodation Contracts

Lancashire County Council has awarded contracts for supported accommodation services for young people to Stepping Stone Projects.

The procurement covers two lots providing supported accommodation for young people aged 16 to 24, supporting the Council’s sufficiency duty for Looked After Children and improving outcomes for care leavers and people experiencing homelessness.

The successful provider is required to ensure the accommodation is registered with Ofsted during the mobilisation period and complies with the Supported Accommodation Regulations (England) 2023.

The contract has a value of £322,000 excluding VAT (£386,400 including VAT) and is expected to run from 24 August 2026 to 31 October 2028.

Two Lots Awarded

Lot 1 – Core Central will deliver a 24/7 supported accommodation service from 47 Trafford Street, Preston, providing 10 funded beds, including one crisis bed. The service includes 179 commissioned support hours per week and will deliver housing management services on behalf of Places for People.

Lot 2 – Core East will deliver a 24/7 supported accommodation service from The Sidings, 1 Castle View, Clitheroe, providing seven funded beds. The service includes 87.5 commissioned support hours per week and will also deliver housing management services on behalf of Places for People.

Competitive Procurement

The contracts were awarded following an open procedure under the Light Touch Regime.

Lot 1 received two tenders, while Lot 2 received one tender. All bids assessed at the final stage were submitted by organisations that were both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

The award decision was made on 24 July 2026, with assessment summaries issued the same day. Although an expedited procedure meant a mandatory standstill period was not required, Lancashire County Council is observing a voluntary five working day standstill period, ending at midnight on 31 July 2026. The earliest date the contract may be signed is 10 August 2026.

View the Official Award Notice

Full details of the contract award are available on the UK Government procurement portal.

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